Here in rural Kent we were truly spoiled with wonderful weather over the Easter weekend and a lot of my time was spent in the garden and on the allotment. Not a lot of sewing was done. I think a lot of quilters are similar; torn between their quilting and enjoying their gardens when the sun is shining. Mother Nature has a way of reminding us she’s in charge though, so hopefully by the time you read this she hasn’t hit us with any more frosts!

A nice variety of projects for you this month. The Amelia Quilt from Makower will help you improve your HST-making skills for sure! More Half Square Triangles with the Picnic Quilt featuring wonderful summery prints from Tilda while the Summer Geese Runner will add a touch of the Mediterranean to your summer dining. The Scrappy Cushions let you play with what you’ve got in your scrap pile. We’ve all played the game, now make the quilt with the Spot the Difference Quilt. Such fun! We make a delightful clematis block in our Calendar Quilt this month while Stuart’s block in Stashbusting is a stylish quilt that is Layer Cake friendly. I’m sorely tempted to make this one!

We continue to be able to enjoy attending quilt shows again and Helen has been busy visiting the Quilt and Stitch Village Show in Uttoxeter to view the competition quilts on display and then headed south to visit the Man Made exhibition in Somerset; this is the second exhibition held at Midsomer Quilting created solely for male quilters. Deborah Nash also tells us about the textile designer, Althea McNish and her wonderfully vibrant fabrics in Textiles with a Tropical Eye.

Until next month

Joanna